“The Lion’s Roar” placed second in the General Excellence category of the 2008 Better Student Newspaper Competition, which encompassed 3,812 entries from 79 newspapers, publications and college/university student newspapers from Louisiana. The competition was judged by the Kansas Press Association.

Two complete issues of the newspaper were submitted for judging. The category focused on the editorial content, variety of ads and advertisers, graphic design, classified page and general appearance of the publication.

“These students work very hard to provide the Southeastern community with a quality publication each week,” said Lee E. Lind, director of Student Publications and advisor for “The Lion’s Roar.” “It is very gratifying to see their efforts rewarded with high recognition from their peers in the industry.”

Four students were also individually recognized.

“The Lion Roar” Sports Editor Donald Aime, a junior English major from Hammond, placed second in the Best Sports Story or Sports Feature category for his coverage of Head Football Coach Mike Lucas’ illness last year.

Photo Editor Allyson O’Keefe of New Orleans, a senior visual arts major concentrating in digital design, placed second in the Best Sports Photo category for her photo of Southeastern track and field team member Melissa Jones capturing third place in the high jump competition at the LSU Invitational in April of 2008. O’Keefe also serves as the editor of the student yearbook “Le Souvenir.”

“The Lion’s Roar” Editor-in-Chief Tracy Valentine, an English graduate student from Montpelier and Student Publications graduate assistant, placed second in the Most Effective Use of Graphic Design on a Single Page category.

Another Student Publications graduate assistant, Lucy Parker, an organizational communication student from Franklinton, received honorable mention in the Best News Story or News Feature for her coverage of the special needs shelter on Southeastern’s campus after Hurricane Gustav. Parker serves as copy editor for “The Lion’s Roar.”

“From the editorial board to the writers and photographers, each member of the Lions Roar staff has greatly contributed to winning these awards,” said Valentine. “I am very grateful to them for contributing to the recognition and awards that our publication has garnered. It is truly because of their hard work and dedication that we are able to produce an award winning newspaper.”

“The Lion’s Roar’s honors include 28 awards from the LPA in the past five years.